I don't understand why you needed to ever replace the little filter in the Swiffer Vac. In the 3 years we have owned our most recent one, we never had to wash the filter, and we never had to buy a replacement. Just a thorough monthly vacuuming with a full size vac - using the hose and crevice tool - and the filter was good to go. Of course, one does have to buy the disposable Swiffer Pads, but these are often on sale at the supermarket. Since "time is money", the efficiency of cleaning with this rechargeable stick vac more than makes up for the expense laid out for the pads. And at $50 for the unit itself, it's a far more economical investment than many other cordless vacs being marketed for cleaning bare floors.